DE102019219746A1 - Unit for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water - Google Patents

Abstract

When adapting machines and systems (24) in the handling of substances hazardous to water to the legal requirements of the Water Resources Act WHG, defined electrical circuits are required for the sensors (18) and actuators (20) prescribed in this context, which are not standard during the initial installation follow and can only be implemented at a later date with great effort. The present invention therefore relates to a unit (10) which enables standardized protection to ensure legal requirements. This unit (10) is also particularly suitable as a retrofit solution for existing systems (24). The present invention further comprises a system (22) with such a unit (10) and a method for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water.

Description

The present invention relates to a unit for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, as well as a corresponding system and method.

According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the protection of waters is indispensable for the health of the population, for the preservation of the natural foundations of life and as a prerequisite for economic development. For this purpose, the waters are to be secured as part of the natural balance and as a habitat for animals and plants and managed in such a way that they serve the public good and, in harmony with it, the benefit of individuals and avoid avoidable impairments of their ecological functions.

One of the main instruments of the precautionary principle is to prevent substances that are hazardous to water from leaking out of systems and causing pollution in the surface waters and the groundwater.

When adapting machines and systems when handling water-polluting substances to the legal requirements according to the Water Resources Act WHG, defined electrical circuits are required for the sensors and actuators prescribed in this context, which do not follow any standard during the initial installation and can only be implemented afterwards with great effort are. The reason for the invention is the standardized protection to ensure legal requirements.

In the case of new systems, there is usually an installation and signal processing of the sensors and actuators in front of a main switch that can only be checked with a high level of personnel and technical effort and is usually technically inadequate. In existing systems, a technically complex subsequent machine and system-specific relocation of the power supply from AFTER main switch to BEFORE main switch and reprogramming of the switching logic takes place.

In particular, the known solutions do not have the advantages of a standard. There are high costs due to machine and system-specific electrical adaptations. Furthermore, the system operator can only carry out cyclical checks of legal compliance with great effort. An examination of the WHG concepts and their planned and actual implementation can only be carried out with a high expenditure of time and personnel.

From the published patent application DE 100 20 074 A1 a modular safety switching device system for switching actuators on and off safely is known, with at least one input module for safely evaluating a safety transmitter and for generating an output signal and at least one output module for safely operating the actuator depending on the output signal of the input module, with at least the input module can be operated in different modes. A control module for individually setting the operating mode of each input and output module and a display means for reliably displaying the set operating mode of the input module and / or the output module are provided in the system.

From the published patent application DE 699 07 542 T2 A safety circuit for water-bearing household appliances, in particular washing machines and dishwashers, is known, with a program selector, a level switch in the washing or rinsing container and a leak indicator device in a water collecting tray, with an additional logic circuit continuously fed by the AC voltage being provided which is controlled by the program selector, the level switch and the leak indicator can be controlled so that the logic circuit connects the process control to the power supply under predetermined control conditions and that the process control initiates predetermined switching processes via components such as a pump of the household appliance depending on the control conditions.

The invention is now based on the object of creating a unit, a system and a method that enable machines and systems to handle water-polluting substances to meet the legal requirements.

• einer Eingangsschnittstelle zum Empfangen von Sensordaten eines ersten Sensors mit Informationen zu einem ersten Fluidstand;
• einer Analyseeinheit zum Analysieren des Fluidstands und Erstellen eines Steuerbefehls für einen Aktor in Reaktion auf ein Ergebnis der Analyse des Fluidstands, wobei der Steuerbefehl ein Erfüllen der gesetzlichen Anforderung mittels des Aktors bewirkt; und einer Ausgangsschnittstelle zum Übermitteln des Steuerbefehls an den Aktor;
• die Einheit einer Schaltlogik für eine Vorrichtung zum Umgang mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen vorgeschaltet ist.

This task is solved by a unit for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, with:

• an input interface for receiving sensor data from a first sensor with information on a first fluid level;
• an analysis unit for analyzing the fluid level and generating a control command for an actuator in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command causing the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator; and an output interface for transmitting the control command to the actuator;
• the unit of a switching logic for a device for handling substances hazardous to water is connected upstream.

• einer Einheit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche;
• einem ersten und vorzugsweise zweiten Sensor zum Erzeugen von Sensordaten mit Informationen bezüglich eines ersten und vorzugsweise zweiten Fluidstands; und einem Aktor.

The above task is also achieved by a system for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, with:

• a unit according to any preceding claim;
• a first and preferably second sensor for generating sensor data with information relating to a first and preferably second fluid level; and an actuator.

• Empfangen von Sensordaten eines ersten und vorzugsweise zweiten Sensors mit Informationen zu einem ersten und vorzugsweise zweiten Fluidstand;
• Analysieren des Fluidstands und Erstellen eines Steuerbefehls für einen Aktor in Reaktion auf ein Ergebnis der Analyse des Fluidstands, wobei der Steuerbefehl ein Erfüllen der gesetzlichen Anforderung mittels des Aktors bewirkt; und
• Übermitteln des Steuerbefehls an den Aktor;
• das Verfahren einem Betriebsverfahren einer Vorrichtung zum Umgang mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen vorgelagert ist.

Finally, the above task is achieved by a method for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, which includes the following steps:

• Receiving sensor data from a first and preferably second sensor with information on a first and preferably second fluid level;
• Analyzing the fluid level and generating a control command for an actuator in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command causing the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator; and
• Transmitting the control command to the actuator;
• the method precedes an operating method of a device for handling substances hazardous to water.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

The unit according to the invention provides an inexpensive, universal and highly variable possibility of complying with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water. Because the unit is connected upstream of a switching logic for a device for handling water-polluting substances, the unit according to the invention can be used to create both a retrofit solution and an assembly for a new system. In particular, the advantageous, technically simple, independent unit ensures that the unit can be easily replaced in the event of a malfunction. It goes without saying that the unit can also be designed as part of a device. By using an input interface for receiving a sensor signal and an output interface for transmitting the control command to the actuator, a technically simple and inexpensive unit can be created. In particular, expensive sensors and actuators do not have to be part of the unit, so that the unit can easily be replaced. For example, if the legal situation changes, an appropriately programmed unit can be used without causing high costs and with little effort and can replace an obsolete unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the actuator comprises a valve, in particular an inlet and return valve and / or bypass valve and / or a pump. This makes it technically easy to comply with the legal requirements. In particular, a variable and multifunctional unit can be created.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive sensor data from a second sensor with information on a second fluid level. As a result, the unit can have increased reliability. In particular, measurements can still be carried out efficiently and reliably even if a sensor fails. The quality of the detectable sensor keys is significantly improved.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive sensor data from a first sensor which is arranged in a first fluid barrier and sensor data from a second sensor which is arranged in a second fluid barrier. In this way, increased safety can be achieved when handling substances hazardous to water. In particular, a leak can be effectively detected before substances hazardous to water get into the environment. Pollution of the environment by substances hazardous to water can be reduced in the long term.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the first fluid barrier comprises a machine bed and the second fluid barrier comprises a collecting trough. This can prevent these substances from escaping even if substances hazardous to water escape from the machine bed. In particular, it is conceivable to output a message when a water-polluting substance is detected in the machine bed and to issue a warning when a water-polluting substance is detected in the collecting tray and / or to initiate further steps automatically.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the input interface is designed to receive an operating command of a user interface, the operating command causing a preferably one-time, situation-related programming of the sensor-actuator reaction. As a result, the unit can be made compact and inexpensive. In particular, it is conceivable to have one user interface for several Units to use. Reprogramming and / or an update can be easily imported.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the input interface comprises a type and number of input channels for sensors prescribed by the WHG, preferably standardized, and the analysis unit is designed to determine related messages, preferably standardized. In this way, a scalable and robust multifunctionally effective unit can be created, which is particularly suitable in the long term for ensuring compliance with the legal regulations when handling substances hazardous to water.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the output interface comprises a type and a number of output channels for actuators prescribed by the WHG, preferably standardized. This can further improve the scalability and robustness of the unit. The unit is, for example, universally adaptable to the technical conditions of a normal machine tool, pump back station or the like and thanks to the situation-specific programming option. If the required number of input and output channels is changed, this is scalable.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Einheit zur Einhaltung der gesetzlichen Anforderungen beim Umgang mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Variante eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Variante eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer Anlage; und
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a unit according to the invention for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water;
• 2 a schematic representation of a first variant of a system according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of a second variant of a system according to the invention in a plant; and
• 4th a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of a unit 10 Unit for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water. The unit 10 includes an input interface 12th , an analysis unit 14th and an output interface 16 .

The input interface 12th is designed to receive sensor data from a first sensor with information on a first fluid level. The sensor data can originate, for example, from a fluid sensor, a flow sensor, a light barrier, a scale or the like. The input interface is used for receiving 12th preferably wired to the sensor. In this way, the sensor can also be supplied with power in a simplified manner. Furthermore, the input interface 12th also be designed for wireless communication or be connected to a proprietary, for example wired, transmission network.

The analysis unit 14th is designed to analyze the fluid level and to create a control command for an actuator in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command causing the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator.

The output interface 16 is designed to transmit the control command to the actuator. The output interface 16 can be analogous to the input interface 12th be trained to communicate. It goes without saying that the input interface 12th and the output interface 16 can also be designed as a combined communication interface for sending and receiving.

• Schwimmer, bei dem ein Körper mit geringer Dichte auf einem Fluid schwimmt, wobei eine Höhe des Schwimmers bestimmt wird. Vibrationssensoren, bei denen durch Eintauchen in ein Medium eine Resonanzänderung ermittelt werden kann.

2 shows a schematic representation of a first variant of a system according to the invention 22nd . The system according to the invention 22nd includes a first sensor 18th for acquiring sensor data relating to a first fluid level of a water-polluting fluid and a second sensor 18th for acquiring sensor data relating to a first and / or second fluid level of a water-polluting fluid. The sensor 18th one or more of the following sensors, for example, can be used to acquire sensor data and generate a control signal 18th , Probes and / or measuring principles include:

• A swimmer in which a body floats with a low density on a fluid, a height of the swimmer being determined. Vibration sensors in which a change in resonance can be determined by immersion in a medium.

Displacement body measurement, in which the weight of a displacement body immersed over the entire fill level range of a liquid is determined.

A measurement of electrical conductivity that changes when a probe comes into contact with fluid. Measurement of the thermal conductivity of the fluid.

A capacitive, preferably continuous level measurement in which a change in the electrical capacitance between electrodes is detected when they are surrounded by a fluid.

An optoelectronic limit switch in which the absorption of light and / or the presence or absence of total reflection is detected when the sensor is immersed in the medium. The optoelectronic level sensor consists, for example, of an infrared LED and a light receiver.

The unit 10 receives sensor data with information relating to a first and / or second fluid level. The sensor data are stored in the analysis unit 14th analyzed and a fluid level determined.

A control command for an actuator is then issued 20th prepared in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level. The control command causes the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator 20th . The actuator 20th can for example be an inlet valve, a return valve, a bypass valve, a switch, a communication unit and / or a pump.

By means of the actuator 20th For example, a machine can be switched off. A pumping circuit that pumps water-polluting substances can be diverted and / or interrupted. A machine status report can be sent or transmitted.

3 shows a schematic representation of a second variant of a system according to the invention 22nd in one plant. In the example shown, the system is 22nd a plant 24 that deals with substances hazardous to water.

It goes without saying that the system 22nd also as part of the system 24 can be formed. In particular, it is conceivable that the system 22nd uses already existing electronics and sensors and is implemented in whole or in part as software.

In the example shown, the unit is 10 designed as a black box, that of a switching logic 26th the plant 24 is upstream. The system 22nd includes in particular two sensors 18th comprising an overfill sensor and a leak sensor.

The overfill sensor is in a first fluid barrier 28 for collecting a water-polluting fluid and / or a fluid which at least partially contains a water-polluting fluid. The first fluid barrier 28 can be a first machine bed, for example.

The leak sensor is in a second fluid barrier 30th for collecting the water-polluting fluid and / or the fluid which at least partially contains a water-polluting fluid. The second fluid barrier 30th can, for example, be a drip pan.

An inner system can pass through these two barriers 22nd and an external restraint system can be created, both of which are sensors 18th are monitorable. In this way, it can be redundantly prevented that water-polluting substances from the system 24 step out. In particular, even if there is a leak in the internal system 22nd , that is, upon detection of a water-polluting fluid and / or a fluid which at least partially contains a water-polluting fluid in the first fluid barrier 28 a reaction can be initiated.

A reaction can be, for example, pumping out the water-polluting fluid by means of an actuator 20th be in the form of a pump. Furthermore, the actuator 20th can also be designed as a valve, in particular a bypass valve, and divert the water-polluting fluid in such a way that no water-polluting fluid is passed into an area with a leak. This has the particular advantage that the entire system can be switched off 24 is not necessary. Furthermore, the faulty area of the system 24 drained so that repair work can be started in the shortest possible time.

The unit 10 is preferably designed as a black box, it being possible for the black box to be set up once or several times by means of a control unit by means of situation-related programming of the sensor-actuator reaction. The control unit can be integrated or, for example, a laptop, a tablet PC, a smartphone and / or a proprietary device specially created for setting up.

The unit 10 can in particular be scalable for larger systems 24 be formed and several types of input channels for sensors 18th which are prescribed by the WHG. It goes without saying that the types of input channels can be standardized, with the analysis unit 14th associated messages, preferably standardized, determined. These messages can then also be sent from the output interface 16 be transmitted to a corresponding display and / or output unit. Furthermore, the output interface 16 several types of output channels for the actuators prescribed by the WHG 20th include. It goes without saying that the types of output channels can be standardized.

4th shows schematically a procedure for compliance with the legal requirements at Dealing with substances hazardous to water, In a first step (S1) of the process, sensor data from a first sensor 18th Receive information about a first fluid level. In a second step (S2), the fluid level is analyzed and a control command for an actuator 20th created in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command fulfilling the legal requirement by means of the actuator 20th causes. In a step (S3) the control command is sent to the actuator 20th transmitted. The above method precedes an operating method of a device for handling substances hazardous to water.

• Die Erfindung kann in jeder Anlage zum Einsatz kommen, die mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen arbeitet und/oder in Berührung kommt und eignet sich beispielsweise als Nachrüstlösung. Die Sicherheit im Umweltschutz wird verbessert.

The invention has been described in detail. With the teaching disclosed, the following advantages can be achieved and / or problems can be solved, in particular through at least one embodiment:

• The invention can be used in any system that works with and / or comes into contact with substances hazardous to water and is suitable, for example, as a retrofit solution. The safety in environmental protection is improved.

A standardized type and number of input channels, the sensors prescribed by the WHG, such as overfill and / or leakage sensors, can be provided.

The messages related to the sensors prescribed by the WHG, such as a machine status and / or an operating mode, can be standardized.

A standardized type and number of output channels for the actuators prescribed by the WHG, such as supply and / or return valves, bypass valves and / or pumps, can be provided.

List of reference symbols

10

unit

12th

Input interface

14th

Analysis unit

16

Output interface

18th

sensor

20th

Actuator

22nd

system

24

investment

26th

Switching logic

28

first fluid barrier

30th

second fluid barrier

S1-S3

Procedural steps

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10020074 A1 [0007]
• DE 69907542 T2 [0008]

Claims (10)

Unit (10) for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, with: an input interface (12) for receiving sensor data from a first sensor (18) with information on a first fluid level; an analysis unit (14) for analyzing the fluid level and generating a control command for an actuator (20) in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command causing the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator (20); and an output interface (16) for transmitting the control command to the actuator (20); characterized in that the unit (10) is connected upstream of a switching logic (26) for a device for handling substances hazardous to water. Unit (10) Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuator (20) comprises a valve, in particular an inlet and return valve and / or bypass valve and / or a pump. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input interface (12) is designed to receive sensor data from a second sensor (18) with information on a second fluid level. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input interface (12) is designed to receive sensor data from a first sensor (18) which is arranged in a first fluid barrier (28) and sensor data from a second sensor (18), which is arranged in a second fluid barrier (30) to receive. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid barrier (28) comprises a machine bed and the second fluid barrier (30) comprises a collecting trough. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input interface (12) is designed to receive an operating command of a user interface, the operating command causing a preferably one-time, situation-related programming of the sensor-actuator reaction. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input interface (12) comprises a type and a number of input channels for sensors (18) prescribed by the WHG, preferably standardized, and the analysis unit (14) is designed to to determine related messages, preferably standardized. Unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output interface (16) comprises a type and a number of output channels for actuators (20) prescribed by the WHG, preferably standardized. System (22) for compliance with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, with: a unit (10) according to any preceding claim; a first and preferably second sensor (18) for generating sensor data with information relating to a first and preferably second fluid level; and an actuator (20). Method for complying with the legal requirements when handling substances hazardous to water, with the following steps: receiving (S1) sensor data from a first and preferably second sensor (18) with information on a first and preferably second fluid level; Analyzing (S2) the fluid level and generating a control command for an actuator (20) in response to a result of the analysis of the fluid level, the control command causing the legal requirement to be met by means of the actuator (20); and transmitting (S3) the control command to the actuator (20); characterized in that the method precedes an operating method of a device for handling substances hazardous to water.

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